Holiday Survival Guide
We know the holidays aren’t always merry and bright.
But we also know that you’ve got this – and we’ve got you.
YOUTH: Every single week from 6:30-8:00, Friday Night Group is here for you. Even holidays and snow days! There's no need to sign up in advance. In Vermont for the holigays? Join us IRL for pizza and fun crafts!
PARENTS/CAREGIVERS: Find a welcoming and supportive community of peers at Trans Parent Group, whether you’re fielding tough questions, navigating complex family dynamics, or just wondering how to best show up for the young people in your life. Facilitated by local mental health professionals, this group welcomes folks at all levels of familiarity and understanding of trans identities. Join virtually on the first Monday of each month from 6-8pm (request the link here) – and if you’re in the area, join us in person at Outright’s Burlington office on the third Monday of each month from 6-8 pm.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you care about is having a hard time coping or has unsafe feelings or thoughts, we encourage you to direct them to one of the following crisis resources.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline trained counselors are available to provide support and resources 24/7/365. Anyone can call at any time.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project confidential crisis intervention and suicide prevention service for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24 available 24/7/365.
*Access TrevorChat through a computer, as you may have technical difficulties if using a smartphone or tablet.
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline is a suicide prevention helpline for trans people, staffed by trans people. You can call even if you’re not in crisis or if you’re not sure if you’re trans! They also have a friends and family line for folks supporting a trans loved one. Trans Lifeline does not use nonconsensual intervention.
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line will connect you with a crisis counselor for free 24/7 support. You’ll get an automated text response first, and then a response from a crisis counselor. Crisis counselors will respond within 5 minutes through a secure platform. They will work with you until you are cool and calm and have a positive plan for next steps.
SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program
SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program advocates are available Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-2pm. May be impacted by Pride Center of Vermont hours.
Through direct service advocacy, education, and community support, the SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program provides comprehensive services to support LGBTQ+ survivors of hate, bias, harassment, discrimination, abuse, intimate partner violence, stalking, trafficking, sexual assault, and other systemic and community harms.
Things to Do
From our pals at Q Chat Space, here are some self care links and activities to check out!
- imi guide
- WeRNative (For Indigenous Community)
- Self Care / Emotional Support List (by Trans Lifeline)
- A Care Package from Transgender Law Center
- 94 Self-Care Activity Ideas
- 45 Simple Self-Care Practices for a Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul (by Tiny Buddha)
- Free Tetris
- Peer2Peer Gaming Central
- Advocates for Youth Youtube Channel
- Virtual Tours of Zoos, Aquariums, Museums & Theme Parks
- Various Guided Meditations
- Guided Meditations in different Languages (English, Armenian, Cantonese, Farsi, Filipino, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Mixtec-High, Mixtec-Low, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language)
- Body Scan (3 min | 5 min | 10 min)
- Mindful Walking (15 min)
- Latinx Therapy Podcast (English & Spanish)
- Equality Magazine (by Human Rights Campaign)
- 17 Poems To Read When The World Is Too Much
- 20 Journal Prompts for Stress Relief
- Blank Gratitude Journal
- Mindfulness Art Activity
- Celebrating My Unique Strengths Art Activity
- Online Coloring Pages
- Bonus: lots more self-care tips and resources compiled by our friends at Q Chat Space.
Helpful Articles
Check out these articles to help you keep your shine - and remember, we are queer & here for you!
- The Holiday Checklist for LGBTQ People (by Center for Excellence LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity)
- The Lone Queer’s Survival Guide to Awkward Family Time (by Them)
- Holiday Self-Care Tips for LGBTQ Youth (by Trevor Project)
- 8 Queer Tips To Get Through The Holidays (by Queer Theology)
- Going Home For The Holidays…Or Any Days (by PFLAG)
- A Guide to Going Home for Break: Resources for LGBTQ+ University/College Students (by University of Michigan)
- Holiday Fantasy vs Holiday Reality: LGBTQ-Focused Strategies for Coping with Holiday Stress (by OutCoast
